by Kasey Sailer

Created on: October 23, 2010   Last Updated: October 25, 2010

After going through two Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Residential Treatments through the Veterans Affairs (VA) I have learned many of the numerous techniques used for PTSD Treatment.  Although the VA doesn’t utilize some of the newer techniques that are going through trials right now, they have a good track record in using treatment techniques that have been successful in the past.

I will go through this list of treatments starting with the most heavily used and successful treatments.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal oriented, systematic procedure.  CBT is effective for the treatment of a variety of problems, including mood, anxiety, substance abuse, and psychotic disorders.

Now if we put aside all of the rhetoric, what CBTs main goal is, is to change your pattern of thinking by transforming negative thoughts into healthy ones.  Or in other words, it allows you to dissect your current thoughts in order to see why they are unrealistic and negative in nature.  With enough practice, this becomes second nature for most and they are able to recognize negative thoughts as soon as they present themselves.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a technique which involves exposing the feared object or context in a safe atmosphere, free from any signs of danger, where a therapist comforts the client in order to reduce anxiety.  The thought behind exposure therapy is that by confronting and speaking of the underlying conditions that cause PTSD, it will help alleviate the symptoms and give you some closure. 

This method is also often used in a group setting.  This can be very effective for some as they are in a safe environment sharing their experiences with others who have similar experiences.  This method often ends up with the group finding camaraderie amongst each other and by forming relationships, making strong bonds and support systems.  A qualified therapist usually runs these group settings but he usually allows the group to guide the meetings and only interjects if the session starts moving in the wrong direction.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is one tool that therapists have at their disposal, yet it isn’t used as much as afore mentioned techniques.  Most of the time it is used in conjunction with other

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